Dage Minors admits he “wasn’t sure what to expect” competing at the Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational where he broke his own national record.

The Bermuda runner finished fourth in the 800 final in 1min 47.98sec at the Boston University Track and Tennis Centre at the weekend to eclipse his own national indoor record over the distance.

“This was my first 800 in about six months, so I was not sure what to expect,” said Minors, who is pursuing a master’s degree in leadership at Franklin Pierce University.

“I knew I was in good shape after the Front Street Mile victory and running 4:06.5 on January 27 in a mile.

“And when the heat sheets came out and I saw who I would be racing against I knew it would be a fast one. I’m pleased with it being my first 800 this year.”

Sam Ellison won the race in 1min 46.49 sec.

Donna Raynor, the Bermuda National Athletics Association president, is delighted to see Minors reaping reward for his hard work.

“It is just great to see Dage progressing as he is,” Raynor said.

“Dage proves that putting in the hard work gets you results.

“He did not leave Bermuda as an 800 runner but more of a distance runner and with the hard work, the correct environment and the competition he has been able to reach goal after goal.”

Minors carved his name in local running history after becoming the first Bermudian to win the KPMG Front Street Mile elite men’s race last month.

He also holds the record in the middle school boys’ mile.

“I am very proud of Dage, especially being as he was a member of my track club, Flyers Track Club, at the beginning of his track career,” Raynor added. “He is a very focused young man and I have no doubt he will go even further.”

The 22-year-old achieved the Commonwealth Games qualifying standard in the 800, competing at the Princeton Larry Ellis Invitational in New Jersey in April last year, but was ruled out through school commitments.

“It’s just one of those sacrifices you have to make,” Minors said in a recent interview. “But I am 22 and so I think I will still be running in another four years to go for it again.”